It’s increasingly common that the feeling that our houses aren’t built like they should be is one most people have – if you’re in a newly built home, you’ll know what we mean. That might come from longing for the yesteryears’ workmanship or genuine apprehension about contemporary building practices and how it’s affecting new houses.
Below, we’ll explore why many believe current houses do not match those of earlier years.
The Decline of Craftsmanship
One reason behind the perception that houses are worse today than before is the death of craftsmanship. And we’re not saying that it’s a total death of craftsmanship. There are some incredibly skilled labourers and construction companies – we’re simply saying they’re not all like that.
Houses were previously constructed by skilled craftsmen who took pride in their work (as we say, some still do). These artisans would take years to perfect their skills and often pass them down within generations. Using traditional methods and high-quality materials, they created homes that were both beautiful and long-lasting.
Nowadays, efficiency and speed are paramount – we’d say that’s the bigger issue rather than people not being good at their jobs. Construction has to happen faster to cater to an expanding population, which necessitates using prefabricated elements and standardised techniques that value quickness over quality.
Cost-Cutting vs. Quality
Expensive cutting at the expense of quality is a further significant issue here. To make maximum profit, some construction workers choose less expensive materials or methods, producing homes with shorter life spans and less durability. For example, some builders may select cheaper alternatives instead of investing in a high-quality retaining wall that provides structural integrity and longevity. That approach to cost-cutting may have consequences ranging from aesthetic problems to severe structural defects.
Cheaper artificial substitutes replace high-quality materials like hardwood, natural stone, and top-grade insulation, which will later bring exorbitant maintenance costs while reducing lifespan at home. As a result, homeowners deal with repair issues much sooner than if it had been built with superior-quality construction.
Using Quality Materials Isn’t Just About Aesthetics
It involves more than only looks but also how long they can last for safety purposes. There’s been a push for energy-efficient windows and insulation to be introduced in many states to meet these objectives at low cost. The result has been the use of synthetic materials that are less durable and appealing compared to conventional ones.
And, sustainability concerns have led to the adoption of recycled and eco-friendly materials, which may not always be as resilient as their traditional counterparts with durability. That doesn’t mean that sustainable materials are intrinsically inferior, but that the sector is still evolving and trying to strike a balance between environmental responsibility and long-term quality.
There’s also the fact that modern building codes and regulations can sometimes be too prescriptive, leaving little room for creativity or customised craftsmanship, as was evident in older houses.
The belief that houses aren’t as good as they used to be is due to several factors – but what do you think? There’s no denying that some builds are reducing the quality of houses, but that’s not to say all of them are. Still, while modern construction techniques and materials do have their own merits, there’s an increasing realisation of the necessity to balance efficiency and cost with quality and durability.